Tamworth looking to retain national title

Tuesday 27 June, 2017

Tamworth Regional Council is hoping to defend its title as National winner of the Red25 Councils Blood Challenge, with the call going out to Councils around Australia to roll up their sleeves and start donating.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service will run the challenge again from 1 July and runs until 30 September. Last year, Tamworth Regional Council staff made 147 donations, with an amazing 43 new donors coming on board during the time.

Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said Council is hoping to match it’s donations from last year and ultimately take out the competition again.

“In 2016, we made 147 donations which was the highest of all Council’s in Australia. It would be fantastic to not only reach that goal again, but maybe add a few more donations to our tally.

“It’s important for people to know that if you are a friend or family member of a Council staff member, your donation will count towards the challenge.

“I personally made five donations during the competition last year, and it’s something that is so rewarding, knowing that you are saving lives through such a simple process. Last year Council staff helped to save 441 lives and I’m sure we can work together to do this again.”

In 2016, 196 council groups gave an amazing 3,839 donations altogether. Since each donation saves up to three lives, that’s up to 11,517 lives saved. Blood donations like these help people with cancer, immune diseases, childbirth complications, burns and many other serious medical conditions.

All Councils around Australia should encourage their staff to book a blood donation appointment between 1 July to 30 September, join the Red25 group and track the results online.